Definition

Air travels in and out of the lungs through bronchial tubes. Asthma is a chronic inflammation of these tubes. This inflammation causes airways to narrow. This makes it hard to breath. There are different degrees of asthma. Some people may have very mild asthma with rare flare-ups. Others may have a severe, constant asthma.

Asthma is the most common chronic disease found in children. If your child is having trouble breathing, call 911 immediately. This is a potentially serious condition that needs immediate medical attention.

If it is not an emergency, but you suspect your child may have asthma, contact your doctor. With proper treatment, asthma can be controlled.

Causes

The exact causes of asthma are unknown. It is thought that a mix of genes and environment causes asthma. Possible causes include:

Family history

Tendency to develop allergies

Respiratory infections

Contact with allergens when immune system is developing

Certain conditions are known to trigger an asthma attack. These include:

Exercise—especially in cold air

Tobacco smoke

Substances that cause allergies (allergens)

Dust

Food—peanuts, milk, wheat, eggs, and tree nuts are common

Mold

Animal hair

Respiratory infection

Abrupt change in weather

Risk Factors

These factors increase your child’s chance of asthma. Tell your doctor if your child has any of these risk factors:

Symptoms

If your child has any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to asthma. These may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if your child has any of these:

Shortness of breath

Coughing

Trouble breathing

Wheezing

Chest tightness

Fatigue

Child complains of chest pain or odd sensations

Difficulty during feeding in infants

Trouble sleeping

Child avoids exercise or sports

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about you about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will listen to your child’s lungs. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist. A pulmonologist focuses on the lungs. An immunologist focuses on allergies.

Tests may include the following:

Spirometry test—test that measures how well your child breaths; your child will be asked to take deep breaths and then exhale into a tube that is hooked to a machine

Challenge test—test that uses spirometry to measure how well your child breaths after causing asthma symptoms

Pulse oximetry—test that uses a sensor on a finger to measure oxygen concentration

Medication—in young children unable to undergo spirometry testing, the doctor may prescribe a bronchodilator medication (drug that opens airways); if your child’s symptoms get better then the doctor may diagnose asthma

X-ray
—test that uses radiation to form an image; chest x-ray used to rule out infection and disease

Skin testing
—test that introduces very small amounts of common allergens into the skin; used to identify common allergens that may trigger asthma symptoms

Treatment

Talk with your child’s doctor about the best plan for your child. You and your child's doctor should also create an asthma action plan. This is a plan your child will follow to help control his asthma and handle asthma attacks. Treatment will vary based on how many asthma episodes your child has and any specific symptoms. Treatment options include the following:

Lifestyle Changes

You can help your child reduce his chance of triggering an asthma attack by making lifestyle changes, such as:

Know what your child is allergic to and avoid known triggers. These may include certain foods, pollen, and air pollution.

Avoid having your child be exposed to tobacco smoke.

Have proper heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in your home.

Medications

Medications used to treat asthma fall into one of two categories:

Quick relief medications—These are also sometimes called rescue medications and are used to quickly treat breathing difficulties. Common inhalers include:

Albuterol

Levalbuterol

Ipratropium

Pirbuterol

Long-term control:

Inhaled corticosteroids

Systemic corticosteroids

Long-acting beta agonist—in most cases, prescribed with an inhaled corticosteroid

Leukotriene modifiers such as
montelukast
(Singulair) and
zafirlukast
(Accolate)

Theophylline

Cromolyn
or
nedocromil

Zileuton
(Zyflo), a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor

Combination medications that include a long-acting bronchodilator and an inhaled corticosteroid

In addition to the medicines, children older than six months should get a yearly
flu shot
. Children with asthma are at a higher risk of having complications from the flu.

Allergy Shots
(Immunotherapy)

Your child’s asthma may be triggered by allergies. In this case, your doctor may recommend
allergy shots
. These shots are very small amounts of an allergen injected into the skin. Over time your child will react less to the specific allergen(s). With less triggers the asthma also decreases.

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent your child from developing asthma. If you child already has asthma, you can reduce your child's risk of asthma episodes by helping him to follow the treatment plan.

Asthma information for patients and parents. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/asthma.htm
. Updated September 15, 2009. Accessed September 18, 2009.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.